A woman of plus size, Kirsty Leanne from Shropshire, faced fat-shaming on flights and people refusing to sit next to her.
Despite her online presence providing travel advice for larger-bodied individuals, she encountered real-life incidents, such as an uncomfortable encounter on a flight to Spain.
Kirsty Leanne, a 30-year-old from Shropshire, has cultivated a substantial following of 129,000 people on TikTok (@kirstyleannetravels) by regularly shares travel advice tailored for individuals with larger bodies.
In this particular incident, her seatmate expressed clear displeasure upon seeing Kirsty in the window seat, exhibiting discomfort and audibly expressing her reluctance to sit beside her, recounting the experience to NeedToKnow.co.uk.
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In a troubling incident on a flight to Spain, Kirsty found herself subjected to blatant discomfort as her seatmate, visibly disapproving of her presence, began huffing and puffing upon seeing Kirsty in the window seat. Kirsty’s attempt to diffuse the tension with an apology received no response.
Throughout the flight, the seatmate actively pushed the armrest down, causing considerable pain and bruising.
The situation escalated when the seatmate, unable to endure Kirsty’s proximity any longer, vocalized her discomfort to a friend a few rows back, stating, “I can’t sit next to her anymore.” Kirsty, feeling awkward and hurt, chose to remain silent but has since adopted a proactive approach, seeking seat changes to ensure more room and prevent similar incidents.
She shared, “I tend to ask flight attendants if I can move to a seat with more room and an extra seat next to it now.” This approach aims to create a more comfortable experience for everyone involved, as Kirsty hopes for reciprocal kindness and understanding.
Kirsty Leanne sheds light on the reactions she often encounters during flights, stating, “People usually make it known they’re unhappy pretty instantly.
Most people are super friendly and understanding, but some people use it as an excuse to be mean and to lash out.
While I understand it’s uncomfortable, acting in that way is unnecessary and likely to be the worst way to come to a solution.”
Kirsty took to TikTok to share this experience, prompting various reactions.
Some defended her, with one user stating, “I get what you’re saying, but the seats aren’t ‘a little small’. I’m failing to see how this isn’t your fault.”
One viewer emphasized, “You shouldn’t have to apologize for existing!!!!!”
A different perspective emerged, defending diversity and condemning incivility, stating, “We are all built differently, and if someone can’t be civil and friendly for a few hours, then I feel sorry for humanity. You are an inspiration.”
